Thursday, Feb. 9
The resurgence of the New Orleans brass band in the late 2000s was just about the unlikeliest musical development of its time. In some ways, it was a product of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, a living proof of the steadfastness of the people of the Crescent City who endured such horror, natural and manmade. It's also a powerful reminder—a welcome one—that that city has been and remains the crucible of American music. The sound's most prominent exponent these days is the aptly named Rebirth Brass Band. These denizens of New Orleans' famed Treme neighborhood are celebrating their 30th year of fusing second-line brass music—proto-jazz—with funk, soul, rhythm & blues, and hip-hop, revitalizing a music that was always about celebration and dancing with modern and cutting-edge sounds. They perform with local favorites Funk Ark at 7 p.m. at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $25.

Saturday, Feb. 11
When NBC's The Sing-Off was forced by popular demand to bring back fourth-place finishers Afro-Blue for last fall's season finale, it was clear that a star had been born. And the name at the crest of that star was Christie Dashiell, the telegenic young vocalist who was frequently the smooth, sparkling lead on the Howard University ensemble's performances. By that time, of course, Dashiell had already been an established presence in our fair city; the North Carolina native was a popular participant in last year's inaugural Washington Women in Jazz Festival, did splendid work with the Jolley Brothers, and performed regularly on her own and with the various configurations of Afro-Blue. In short, America, Dashiell was ours first. And this weekend she's back, showcasing her extraordinary talents with two of her brothers, bassist Christian and drummer C.V.; stellar D.C. pianist Allyn Johnson; and a fellow Afro-Bluer, singer Integriti Reeves. Dashiell performs at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. at Bohemian Caverns, 2001 11th St. NW. $20.

Sunday, Feb. 12
Sunday, kids, is blowing up. From Andrea Parkins and IRIS at the Caverns, to D.C. fusioneer Mychael Pollard at Twins, to Al Jarreau and the Airmen of Note at DAR Constitution Hall. Something for everyone. This writer, however, has two other recommendations that day; both start at the same time, but one will still be running strong when the other ends.

First is the Overtone Quartet, an all-star ensemble that started five years ago as the Monterey Quartet (in celebration of the Monterey Jazz Festival's 50th anniversary), then re-formed two years later in the wake of a live recording from the Festival. By that time pianist Jason Moran had joined, replacing original player Gonzalo Rubalcaba and joining bassist Dave Holland, tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, and drummer Eric Harland. Each member is a prominent, cutting-edge member of the national jazz landscape; each is also a prominent composer in his own right, and represented within the band's repertoire. The key to their ar, however, is the kinetic sense of interplay the musicians share. They shift on a dime, complement each others' improvisations, and make time and harmony a thing of wax to be molded at will. They perform at 7 p.m. at the University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Route 193 and Stadium Drive in College Park. $9-$45.

Second, on your way home, stop in Columbia Heights, where CapitalBop is presenting its first D.C. Jazz Loft in its new locale: The Dunes. Helping them inaugurate the venue are three of the city's most innovative, edgy acts. Paul Carr, the saxophonist and educator who curates next week's Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, leads his band; drummer Lenny Robinson's exploratory trio Mad Curious, featuring saxophonist Brian Settles and bassist Tarus Mateen, adds fuel to the fire; and the Donvonte McCoy Quintet, named by Arts Desk as 2011's Best Small Jazz Group, caps things off...except, of course, for the open jam session at the end of the night. The Dunes is at 1402 Meridian Place NW. $10 suggested donation (and this time no BYOB!).

To read Michael J. West's review of the album, go here.

Oct. 10
Forward-thinking bassist Dave Holland leads arguably the hippest quintet in progressive jazz, with unconventional approaches to form, harmony, and interplay between the musicians. Chalk it up to Holland's uncanny ability to spot and coordinate talents–certainly it lends promise to any other combo he happens to be a part of. Take the Overtone Quartet: It includes Holland and saxophonist Chris Potter, two fifths of the Holland Quintet, but places them onstage with two jazz adventurers, pianist Jason Moran and drummer Eric Harland. The quartet played their first-ever gig in September, meaning their work here is sure to be fresh and exciting. The Overtone Quartet plays Saturday night at the Kennedy Center, $35.

Oct. 10-11
The Thelonious Monk International Competition, one of the most prestigious jazz contests in the world, has an uncanny track record of picking future stars as its winners (Marcus Roberts, Joshua Redman, Gretchen Parlato) and finalists (Joey DeFrancesco, Jane Monheit, Marcus Strickland). This year’s event has two separate competitions: One for bassists and one for composers. The bass competition will have two public events, the semifinal (at the Museum of Natural History) and final (at the Kennedy Center). Seeing either portion gives local jazz fans great odds for walking away with a story that begins, “I was there when he/she got started.”

Oct. 12
The jazz economy is struggling as hard as everybody else, and thus making the same cutbacks. Thad Wilson's Jazz Orchestra, the big band that largely forms the heart of the D.C. scene (since so many of the local players have passed through it), has winnowed their formerly weekly gig at Bohemian Cavernsdown to the second Monday of every month. Unfortunate, but there's a silver lining: It means that seeing TWJO play has become a special treat, and that much more worth leaving the house on a Monday night to hear them work through their book of novel arrangements and array of great soloists and ensemble players. Cover is $5, the music goes until midnight, and a better cross-section of DC jazz musicians you're not likely to find anywhere else.

Oct. 4
Don't let the name throw you: Digital Primitives don't play any electronic instruments whatsoever. Instead, leader Cooper-Moore builds his own musicmakers — twangers, mouthbows, diddley-bows — as well as playing piano and flute and singing. He teams in DP with percussionist Chad Taylor and Israeli saxophonist and clarinetist Assif Tsahar for an eccentric but inescapably catchy avant garde music that contains elements of funk, jazz, blues, and folk music from the Middle East, Africa, and America. It's unique and fascinating, and don't be surprised if you find yourself dancing in your seat, even without electronic beats. Digital Primitives play Sunday at Contradiction Dance in Takoma Park. $15.